Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!
I believe I have reached the age where it is more important to walk with purpose in a navigated and deliberate direction than to run with vigor until exhausted pointed in a direction by others only to find I’m not gaining ground but powering the treadmill snuck beneath my feet.
Have you ever taken a test where the instructions state you must read each page of instructions in advance before writing … but the desire to start writing answers is so compelling that you ignore the instructions and start testing away? You pull your head up at some point realizing others have put their pencil down and sit with a smug look on their face. The point of the test was to follow all of the instructions and the last page instructs to not take a test at all but to sit quietly until everyone reaches the same point. Ahhhhh.
What if that applied to more than just a test? What if life was more about preparation than perspiration? What if following instructions fully, practicing patience and tolerance and having faith served you best? Is that wisdom?
Three examples of how people suggest we approach wisdom and aging:

1. Socrates– claimed not to know anything and suggested we should all examine our lives, not believe we actually know anything.  His mission was to enlighten spirituality, humility and modesty.
2. Bob Buford-author of Half Time: Moving From Success to Significance, One of his quotes “The Human tendency, largely driven by ego, is to believe we can do it all….It maybe humbling to admit there are only a few things you do really well…you will free yourself to focus on those things which will lead to greater personal success and significance.”
3. Stephen Covey-Covey’s mantra, “Live your life in crescendo, not diminuendo,” As you continue down the path of life, your list of things you’d like to accomplish should grow not diminish.  Covey was known for his continuous search for health (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) and lead by example.

I’m reminded that we are a product of our choices, both current and past. As we age, we may regret some of our past choices like smoking, not pursuing the next level of education or a sedentary lifestyle. The good news is, it is never too late to change your current trajectory.
Retirement is a common English reference to reaching a point where you stop working at a paying job and begin to draw from your savings, etc…a demarcation point, destination, a point you commonly wait for with anticipation. I think it’s time we redefine the term and the intent.
At 56, I have aspirations and obligations. By age 66, I will still have obligations and aspirations but they will look different than they do today. I don’t plan to wait to enjoy life between now and then, I will simply shift focus and transition my thinking how I will take care of myself and others. My financial obligations will transition from saving to managing the downside to spending. My leading will shift from large commercial organizations to charitable contributions. My articulations will shift from influencing business to influence humanity.
Transition to wisdom.
Have a blessed weekend!